1. Shingles – shingles are the top coat of a roof, protecting your home from the elements. Asphalt composition shingles are the most common.We also support homeowners that have slate roofing and removal of asbestos roofs.

2. Vent pipe – there are many types of roof vents. This is a cast iron or plastic pipe that vents your plumbing system.

3. Valley – the roof valley is where two sides of the roof meet on a downslope. Roof valleys must be protected from leaks by weaving the shingles or applying another material such as metal.

4. Flashing – roof flashing is a material, usually metal, that is used along the joints of a roof to protect from water infiltration. Flashing may need to be replaced before the entire roof.

5. Gutters and downspouts – the gutter system funnels precipitation off your roof and away from your home.

6. Gable and gable end vent – a gable is an A-framed side wall of a home. The gable vent is located on a gable wall and allows fresh air into the attic.

 7. Eaves and soffit – The eaves are the lower edges of the roof that extend out past the walls. The soffit is the underside of the eaves and often has vents to allow air into the attic.

8. Ridge – the ridge is where two planes of the roof meet on an upward slope. The pointed top of a roof is a ridge. Ridges often have vents to allow air to flow out of the attic.

9. Rake – the rake is a piece of trim that runs down from the roof to the eaves.

10. Drip edge – the drip edge is a type of flashing that funnels water off the roof and into the gutters.

Of course, this is only the exterior of the roof. Underneath there are various underlayments, which are materials designed to stop ice from forming and to protect the decking. Decking is the wood that forms the structure of your roof.

Before you pay your contractor, make sure your new roof installation has all the necessary parts and vents. We hope you’ve learned couple of things that can help you when shopping for a new roof.